A Life In Review

Last year I compiled a post with the things I used most when parenting during the first year of my daughter’s life. I’ve even had a few friends who actually used it (which is why I will continue to write). That said, I decided to write a post rounding up what I used most, and found most beneficial in year 2. Most of this post will contain things like feeding time, bath time, reading time and play time.

(None of the links are affiliate links, I just feel strongly about these products that I am sharing!

Feeding: Honestly we have tried so many different products for Georgia’s feedings. With all of her feeding issues, it was necessary to find the perfect things for her to use and find success with eating. I am 100% confident in the products that I am about to share, and just know that we have wasted a lot of money trying other brands or styles and I am just trying to prevent someone else from having to do the same.

Toddler Sippy Cups:
– Munchkin Weighted Straw Cup (as recommended by our feeding therapist)
– Munchkin Flip and Go Water Bottle

Toddler Bibs:
– Bumpkins Sleeved Bibs (we call these our “full contact” bibs)
– Silicone Bibs (these are so easy to wash and great for messy toddlers)

Plates:
– Munchkin Stay Put Plates (you’ll notice most of what I use in Munchkin because I’ve tried other brands and they don’t hold up as well for the same low prices).
– Munchkin Toddler Plate Set (this one is great for beginning to teach them how to us an open cup and non-suctioned bowl/plate)

Bowls:
– Munchkin Stay Put Bowl Set (these come in three sizes which I find helpful)
– Munchkin Bowl Set (similar to the ones in the toddler plate set)

Utensils:
– Munchkin Toddler Fork and Spoon (we tried SO many different utensil sets and by far this was the best and most recommended by my daughter’s feeding therapist).

Bath Time: This has aways been one of our favorite times with Georgia. She has always loved the bath, but as she’s gotten older it has become even more fun. Full of bubbles and toys and lots of water spills.

Towels:
– The Big One Hooded Towels (that’s it, those are the BEST towels ever for toddlers. They soak up all the water and they are larger so they cover more of your toddlers body when they get out).

Toys:
– Munchkin Bath Tea and Cupcake Set (my sister bought this for my daughter and it’s not only cute, but easy to clean)
– Munchkin Musical Bath Set (I do not own this one, but I have friends who do and it’s so cute).
– Bath Time Fishing Toys (this set is so cute and fun to play with, just make sure you seal the squirt mouths with hot glue if you want the toy to last)

Extras:
– Glow Sticks (trust me on this one, a mom friend on Instagram introduced us to this. You turn off the lights and put glow sticks in the tub. My toddler LOVES this when we do it).
– Sensitive Skin Bath Bubbles (these are so fun even though my toddler is still terrified of bubbles).
– Frida Baby Bath Bombs (these are great for either a calming bath for your toddler, or for use when your toddler is congested. To be honest, I want to use these for myself too).

Books: We spent a lot of Georgia’s second year with our heads in books. Some of them were simply for fun and others were a great learning tool for her. I won’t share all of the books that we ready, but I’ll share my top 5 with you so that you can add them to your toddlers library.

1. What Do You Say, Little Blue Truck: Fair warning, this is a book that makes noise, but they are animal sounds and they go along with the story.
2. You’re My Little Cuddle Bug: this ENTIRE series is worth purchasing. We love to cuddle up and read these together. So much so, that our copies are looking a little worn.
3. Alphaprints Touch and Feel Books: There are seasonal versions of these books and they are all great. Super simple and short, but full of different textures to keep your little one interested in what they are reading.
4. On the Night You Were Born: I know that this is usually a baby shower book, but I used it a lot during Georgia’s second year. I used it as a teaching tool to share with her the things that make her special. This is a great age to begin affirming your kids and their worth.
5. Shutterfly Personalized Family Book: I really wanted a book for my toddler that was filled with her loved ones. I kept it simple and sweet. Each person or couple had two pages. On the left were their names in large letters. On the right was ONE picture of them that showed them clearly and without filters. This books has been a great way for my daughter to connect names and faces. Shutterfly was the cheapest way to make this book that I found (I even used a “free 8×8 photo book coupon).
   

Toys: This one seems silly to even share with you, but I had so much fun exploring new toys with Georgia this year and I would be remised if I didn’t share them with you (I promise I’ll only share a couple).

– Fisher Price Little People: We went from having 4 Little People dolls, to 50 dolls in a blink, but she loves them so it’s worth it.. I love the vehicles that you can buy with them. They make noise and sing songs teaching them about each vehicle. We have the plane, the bus and a few Disney vehicles.
– Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Cookie Set: There are so many different ways to use this toy and throughout the year she used it in different ways as she learned what this toy could do (started with just feeling the velcro, moved to pulling apart the frosting from the cookie, and now working on pretend play with the cookies).
– Radio Flyer Push and Stroll Trike: Not sure if this is considered a toy, but it sure got a lot of use during her second year (and will continue to be used for the next few years since it grows with her).

I tried not to overwhelm you with too many things, but these are products that I feel pretty passionately about. Some just seem to make life with a toddler a little easier and others are just plain fun. Save this post and go back to it when you are thinking about what to get for your child for their first birthday. We like to be practical for birthdays while our daughter is still little so she received quite a few things on this list early into her second year, as gifts.

Did I forget anything important? Drop it in the comments!